For those of you who like "True" Country Music, you will love this album. And, for those of you who are like me and wonder what in the heck is happening to country music these days, this album will be very refreshing for you. These guys keep it real and stay true to Country Music's roots!! The Texas Jamm Band is loaded with seasoned and talented musicians who will have you tapping your foot, bobbing your head, and dancing in the mirror along with their music! I guarantee you wont regret buying this album. These Guys Rock!!!!
Love this band. The live tracks really show how great they sound in person, as well as on the CD.
Original and refreshing, definitely an album to listen to and enjoy in its entirety. Well crafted lyrics and instrumentals. Rio Grande Valley approved!
This album is an incredible rock'n blues funk thang! By far the best album I have purchased this year. I was shocked it was not on the 'Top Sellers' list. A must buy, you will not be disappointed.
These guys will take you on a JOY Ride! Each of them are wonderful at their craft of music and they will blow your mind with their musical experience. #excellence #joy #GreatMusic
I've listened to several of these guys for quite a few years. They just keep getting better and better! Way to go fellows.
I picked up this cd last night! Really good and glad to hear them get back out there with this new cd! Got a couple of old NJ throwback songs with Red Dress. Definitely a cd you can play all the way thru and repeat! You won't be disappointed!
Cyrus James' debut Molly and the Devil can only be labeled as country rock n' roll. Cyrus is by far more country sounding than most of the artists you'll find on the radio and probably in Nashville these days. He also rocks hard with a touch of a twang. Fans of Kid Rock's more recent material will definitely enjoy this and so will fans of early country music.
Cyrus James is an original. His songs have the usual clichéd country themes, but they are so unlike modern country. There's no hint of pop in Cyrus' music. With a gravely voice, Cyrus, delivers twelve songs that are country, pure and simple. His voice is far from pretty, but it is unforgettable. "Heading Out" draws the listener right in with a guitar that whines its misery. The song is about leaving someone that's not pulling their weight anymore.
"I'm Drunk, I'm Sorry" is honky tonk heaven and fun. If the Pogues were from the deep south, they would be singing this one. "I'm drunk, I'm sorry, but baby you don't have to worry tomorrow ill be as sober as a preacher on Sunday morn." are pretty unforgettable. But it gets funnier as the song progresses. "Feels like everyone in this whole place is staring right at me. I'm gonna give em all the finger when i get up off of my hands and knees" will have you in stitches.
John Fleming joins him on vocals for "Lickety Split." This is another piece of honky tonk gold. The lyrics will have you grinning. "I know a crooked cop he likes to stop pretty ladies when they drive by. He takes their money while he’s callin’ em honey, and he always kisses them goodbye."
"Reckless Cinderella," is more southern rock. It has a strong beat meant for toe tapping. It falls into that folk rock/Americana category. If you liked the style of songs on the Wilco/Billy Bragg Mermaid Avenue collaborations, this is a song that you'll listen to over and over. "Winter In Frisco" is another song that seems to channel Woodie Guthrie.
The only song that remotely comes close to something that you might find on your favorite country station is "One Country Song," but even that song's melody is more old fashioned than modern.
The title track tells a story about a gunfighter. After one listen you'll know that "Molly and the Devil" isn't about what you think its about and Molly and the Devil aren't who you think they are. No spoilers here, this is a song you have to listen to.
"Southbound" slows things down. It also features the Wurlitzer electric piano. It gives the song an old fashioned country sound.
Molly and the Devil isn't an album that's going to open eyes to a new song, quite the contrary, it is going to take you back to the roots of country music. His songs take you to the front porch of an old farm house at twilight. There's a rocking chair out on the porch and a rifle leaning up against the wall. It doesn't get anymore country than this.
Anyone that bemoans the current state of country music, should give Molly and the Devil a listen. Not only is this a strong album, but it is a return to country music's hey day. This is country music for the purists. Most of the time it is a good thing to hear new sounds by artists, but in this case, the step backwards through time is a welcome treat. Cyrus James' debut is one for the must have list.
Review by Andrea Guy
Rating: 5 Stars (out of 5)
Andrea Guy hails from Southwestern Pennsylvania where she collaborates with several colleagues on an online music site called 'Mossip'.
